There's Moore

I've always had a respect for Henry Moore and found his numerous sculptures very pleasing to the eye. His work is so recognisable, his thick set reclining figures and massive stone carvings are solid and almost trustworthy.

When I visited the Henry Moore Studios at Much Hadham on the 10th October, 2018, I wasn't expecting much to be honest but the visit completely changed my view on Henry Moore. It was such a glorious day, the morning mist was just clearing and the gardens were damp with dew, our guide started our tour and we ventured out into the immaculate gardens, where many of his grand sculptures awaited us.

The first one that we saw was the Draped Reclining Mother and Baby, which Moore finished in 1983, this beautiful bronze piece sat on a marble plinth and as I walked around her, the mother's body glistened in the sun, her smooth shape and powerful size gave me a sense of calm and the understanding of a mother's care and love.

Draped Reclining Mother and Baby, 1983

After introductions on other pieces and facts on how Moore used bones, seeds and pieces of smoothen flint to base his sculptures on, we walked up to the Pear Tree Paddock area and saw the Double Oval.

The Double Oval was completed in 1966 , these two almost identical oval shaped, abstract pieces that mimic each other, tower over you as walk up to them. Even though they are thick set and heavy they both contain large holes, which seem to balance them and creating an almost areodynamnic feel. Their bronze shells reflect each other as they lean over. They look like they've grown out of the ground and as you walk around them and even through them, they cast long shadows over the lawn. Amazing.

Double Oval, 1966

The tour took us into Moore's studios, his galleries of tapestries, photography and other smaller stone, marble and even stalagmite carved pieces. I was blown away by the amount of work he had accomplished in his life, his attention to detail and how high he had set the bar when it came to sculpture.

I came away with an admiration for such an incredible artist and a true inspiration and would advise anyone to go and visit his Studio and Gardens.